Sunday, August 17, 2008

Fabric and Button Barrette tutorial

~These barrettes are fun and easy to make. They are great for using little bits of fabric especially your stashed vintage treasures.They also show case special buttons and are a great use for those buttons that have no matches. I sometimes make matching pairs but I really like making coordinates that are each a little different but still look good worn together.*********Level of Difficulty: super duper easy***********

Supplies you will need:* Ironed Fabric scraps (at least 1” x3”~ ish)*Cute flat (sew through) buttons *Non- painted Barrettes (I use binding or hem clips They are cheaper and bare metal) The glue has a hard time grabbing the painted barrette; if you only have painted ones use a metal file to scuff up the paint and it helps the glue grab*No fray spray (This is not totally necessary but I found it to increase the life of my barrettes)*Hot glue gun (yay) and sticks* Pliers or tweezers (just to help keep glue off you)*Scissors( small detail ones work best)Instructions

1. Pick out and Iron fabrics, I usually work on several pair at once picking out fabrics and buttons before I start gluing. Then I work in like an assembly line fashion. Gluing all the fabric on then cutting all at once etc…

2.Cut scrap fabric in rectangles just larger than the barrettes

3.Open barrette and slide pliers into back of barretteTo hold while gluing

4.Glue generously on barrette top

5.Position fabric as you want on top of glue

Press evenly as the glue cools with medium firmness

6.Allow to cool completely

7.Trim around barrette taking care to leave a slight edge (>1/16”) to allow for any needed fabric expansion when you close the barrette

8. Spray entire fabric side of barrette with no fray spray. Allow them dry completely

9. Use hot glue on the back of the button and position in place on barrettes while open press slowly and evenly. Then leave to cool on open barrettes

love these and I need a new craft for tweens and they could easily do this and add their own flair to it. I'm going to stick to non fray fabric like jersey or cotton knit so the fray spray wont be needed

I came across your blog after you wre featured on Craftzine's blog and let me say I LoooooooooVE your stuff!

I went out to get supplies to make these barrettes right away and had success . . . but what can I do to keep them from coming unglued after one or two uses? (I used the same clips you did, and the glue just doesn't like staying put after a few openings and closings.) Or did I just do something wrong?...

Thanks so much for your great comment! Good tips there, and thanks for taking the time to write 'em -- as you can see I only just started my blog, so I get pretty psyched when someone's paying attention. ;-) And I know you're a busy lady, so it means a lot.

I will certainly keep those pointers in mind and look forward to more barrette posts from Belle and Burger! Yay!

I just found your site through Pimp Stitch...actually the valentine heart pillows, but I was searching thru your other posts, too. Love your blog and your ideas!!! Can't wait to see more of your creations!